Your experience is not everyone's experience. As a moderator who has been here for years I've been responsible for messaging at least 100, probably more, posters that their bans or infractions were reversed. It happens.

We try to be fair. We're humans, and we make mistakes; that's what the appeals are for: letting us know when you think an infraction was given in error so we can investigate as a team. If it was a mistake, it's overturned and a ban is reduced or lifted. If it's not a mistake, we let you know we're keeping it.

I've participated in about 3500 appeals and they're all taken seriously and each one is considered. If an error was made then the infraction will be reversed. If it's an obvious violation of the rules though, it's usually left in place. Just be mindful of the rules when posting and you'll be fine.